Duane Hicks
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is on the lookout for as many people as possible, including 90-100 new donors, to come out to its spring clinic April 21-22 at Fort Frances High School.
Spokesperson Harvey Heather said CBS has set a two-day goal of 350 donors for the local clinic in order to help up to 846 patients in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario hospitals.
The clinic will run from 4:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 21, and again from noon-3 p.m. and then 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 22.
To make an appointment, call 1-888-2DONATE or visit www.blood.ca
Heather said the pair of clinics held here last spring and fall resulted in a total of 604 units of blood being donated, benefitting up to 1,812 people.
But while the turnout was successful, Heather noted that figure actually is about 100 units lower than in 2008—and CBS would like to see the trend reverse.
“Our donor base is aging, and as people age, some may not be able to donate any longer due to medical or other reasons,” he explained, adding younger people aren’t picking up the torch to take their place.
Across Canada, CBS wants to see 90,000 new donors this year. But Heather pointed out recent statistics show about half of all Canadians are eligible to donate blood, but only one in 60 currently are donors.
“We have a very small number of people carrying our blood supply on their shoulders,” he stressed, adding it would be ideal if CBS can get 90-100 new donors to give blood at next month’s clinic.
“For those that have never, ever donated, and are not sure what it’s all about, please drop by and see us next month and we can help you through the process,” Heather remarked.
“And certainly they can call 1-888-2DONATE if they have any questions or concerns about donating.
“We can help you that way, as well.”
Heather noted if any potential donors, or active ones for that matter, want to know why it’s so important to donate blood, they should check out www.thankyourdonor.ca
“On that site, people who have received blood, either themselves or family members, have posted stories about how much they appreciate blood donors and why it was so important that blood was there for them when they needed it.
“It’s very interesting,” he explained, adding the site only started up in the past year.
“Sometimes donors who are coming in regularly, they do it, which is wonderful. But until you talk to somebody who’s received blood, you don’t realize how much that is appreciated by people in need,” he said.
CBS looks after 91 hospitals in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
